Header panel assembly for preventing air circulation above electronic equipment enclosure

ABSTRACT

A hot/cold aisle air containment system includes a frame structure, at least one electronic equipment enclosure installed at least partially within the frame structure, and a header panel assembly. The frame structure adapted to be at least partially covered by one or more panels to define an interior space and includes at least one horizontal member. The header panel assembly is installed between a top of the at least one electronic equipment enclosure and the at least one horizontal member of the frame structure to prevent circulation of air above the enclosure. The header panel assembly includes a pair of panels. A first of the pair of panels is adjustable horizontally relative to a second of the pair of panels, and the pair of panels, together, are adjustable vertically relative to the least one horizontal member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a U.S. non-provisional patent application of,and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to, U.S. provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 61/597,287, filed Feb. 10, 2012, and is acontinuation-in-part of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to,U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/291,861, filed Nov.8, 2011 and published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2012/0112612 A1, which '861 application is a U.S. non-provisional patentapplication of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to, each ofU.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/411,359, filed Nov. 8,2010, and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/411,373, filedNov. 8, 2010. Each of the foregoing U.S. patent applications and U.S.patent application publications is expressly incorporated herein byreference in its entirety. A copy of U.S. provisional patent applicationSer. No. 61/411,359, filed Nov. 8, 2010, is attached hereto as AppendixA, which itself is expressly incorporated herein by reference.Additionally, each of the following commonly-assigned U.S. patentapplications, including any application publication thereof, isexpressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

-   -   (a) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/568,692,        filed Dec. 9, 2011 and entitled, “DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT        STRUCTURE;” and    -   (b) U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/707,521,        filed Dec. 6, 2012, published on Jun. 13, 2013 as U.S. Patent        Application Publication No. US 2013/0149954 A1, and entitled,        “DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT STRUCTURE.”

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyrightprotection under the copyright laws of the United States and othercountries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimilereproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure,as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all othercopyright rights whatsoever are reserved.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Field of the Present Invention

The present invention relates generally to structures and methods ofthermal management in a data center, and, in particular, to a headerpanel assembly for installation above electronic equipment enclosures ina hot/cold aisle air containment structure.

Background

Rack-mounted computer and data storage equipment generates heat duringnormal operation. When equipment is enclosed in racks, cabinets andother electronic equipment enclosures (hereinafter, collectively,referred to as “enclosures”), heat generated by the equipment canconcentrate within the enclosure and cause equipment to overheat, whichcan damage the equipment, cause the equipment to shut down, and otherproblems. Thus, proper thermal management is a fundamental aspect of theinstallation and use of such equipment. Moreover, thermal management isparticularly important in data centers in which multiple enclosures areinstalled, each with its own array of heat-generating equipment.

Many techniques and solutions have been proposed and used with regard tothermal management in such data centers. One such solution involvesutilization of a containment structure to receive heated exhaust airfrom enclosures installed in the data center or computer room.Enclosures are typically arranged in a row with their sides abutting oneanother. Cool air is drawn into the enclosures from outside thecontainment structure to cool the equipment mounted in each enclosure.Heated exhaust air is then expelled from the enclosures into a commonarea within the containment structure, which is segregated from thesupply of cool air. Heated exhaust air may then be routed from thecontainment structure and cooled before being re-circulated into thesupply of cool air. (The opposite configuration can also be used,wherein cool air is supplied to the interior of the containmentstructure, drawn into the enclosures, and expelled to the exterior ofthe containment structure, but the same general principles apply.)

A common difficulty encountered in many known containment structuresinvolves co-mingling of the heated exhaust air with the supply of coolair, which can impair the system's efficiency. Co-mingling can occur fora variety of reasons, but often arises when an enclosure has animperfect fit within the containment structure, thereby creating a gapthrough which heated air can escape back into the supply of cool air.For example, a gap can exist between the top of an enclosure and astructure immediately above the enclosure (e.g., a ceiling, a top panel,etc). Air exhausted from the rear of the enclosure can circulate backover the enclosure, through the gap, and back to the front of theenclosure, where it co-mingles with the supply of cool air, instead ofbeing captured by the containment structure's cooling system.

Additionally, openings or gaps in the containment structure may have theeffect of causing equipment located near the gap to run at a higheroperating temperature. When heated exhaust air escapes back into thesupply of cool air through gaps, the heated air can be drawn back in toequipment located nearby, thereby raising the operating temperature ofsuch equipment and shortening its operating life.

Further issues may arise if enclosures with varying dimensions areinstalled within the same containment structure. For example, ifenclosures with different vertical dimensions happen to be installedadjacent to one another within the same containment structure,differently-sized panels or blanks must be used to seal off any gapsthat are formed above the enclosures. If such panels do not provide agood fit to seal the gap, then inefficiency is likely to exist as heatedexhaust air escapes from the containment structure and mixes with thesupply of cool air.

Accordingly, a need exists for a containment system capable of avoidingco-mingling of heated exhaust air with the supply of cool air.Furthermore, a need exists for a containment system that enhancesoverall cooling efficiency. These, and other needs, are addressed by oneor more aspects of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Broadly defined, the present invention according to a first aspectincludes a hot/cold aisle containment system substantially as shown anddescribed.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to a second aspectincludes a hot/cold aisle containment system having a header panelassembly installed between a horizontal member thereof and an electronicequipment enclosure, substantially as shown and described.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to a third aspectincludes a hot/cold aisle containment system. The containment systemincludes a frame structure, at least one electronic equipment enclosureinstalled at an end of the frame structure, and a header panel assembly.The frame structure is adapted to be at least partially covered by oneor more panels to define an interior space and includes a verticalmember and a horizontal member. The header panel assembly is installedbetween a top of the at least one electronic equipment enclosure and thehorizontal member of the frame structure to prevent circulation of airabove the enclosure.

In features of this aspect, the header panel assembly may include a mainpanel and at least one seal, the at least one seal being disposed alongthe lower edge of the main panel and adapted to be held in place betweenthe bottom of the main panel and a top surface of the at least oneelectronic equipment enclosure; the at least one seal may becompressible; the header panel assembly may further include a fixedbracket adapted to be supported by the horizontal member of the framestructure, wherein the main panel is adapted to be adjustably coupled tothe fixed bracket; the header panel assembly may further include atleast one clamp for retaining a portion of the main panel against aportion of the fixed bracket; a V-shaped flange may be disposed at thelower edge of the main panel, wherein the at least one seal is disposedat least partially in a groove defined by the V-shaped flange; and/or aV-shaped flange may be disposed at a side edge of the main panel,wherein the at least one seal is disposed at least partially in a groovedefined by the V-shaped flange.

In further features of this aspect, the hot/cold aisle containmentsystem may further include a side seal assembly installed between a sideof the at least one electronic equipment enclosure and the verticalmember of the frame structure to prevent circulation of air around theenclosure; the side seal assembly may include a vertical support bracketand at least one seal, the vertical support bracket being adapted tosupport the side seal assembly from the vertical member of the framestructure; the vertical support bracket may include one or morehorizontal slots to facilitate lateral adjustment thereof; a V-shapedflange may be disposed along an edge of the vertical support bracket,wherein the at least one seal is disposed at least partially in a groovedefined by the V-shaped flange; and/or the side seal assembly may beadapted to extend from the top to the bottom of the frame structure.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to a fourth aspectincludes a hot/cold aisle containment system. The containment systemincludes a frame structure, at least one electronic equipment enclosureinstalled at an end of the frame structure, and a side seal assembly.The frame structure is adapted to be at least partially covered by oneor more panels to define an interior space and includes a verticalmember. The side seal assembly is installed between a side of the atleast one electronic equipment enclosure and the vertical member of theframe structure to prevent circulation of air around the enclosure.

In features of this aspect, the side seal assembly may include avertical support bracket and at least one seal, the vertical supportbracket being adapted to support the side seal assembly from thevertical member of the frame structure; the vertical support bracket mayinclude one or more horizontal slots to facilitate lateral adjustmentthereof; and/or a V-shaped flange may be disposed along an edge of thevertical support bracket, wherein the at least one seal is disposed atleast partially in a groove defined by the V-shaped flange.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to a fifth aspectincludes a hot/cold aisle containment system. The containment systemincludes a frame structure, a header panel assembly, a side sealassembly, and at least one electronic equipment enclosure. The framestructure is adapted to be at least partially covered by one or morepanels to define an interior space and includes a vertical member and ahorizontal member. The header panel assembly depends from the horizontalmember of the frame structure, and the side seal assembly depends fromthe vertical member of the frame structure. The at least one electronicequipment enclosure is installed at least partially within the framestructure such that a top of the enclosure is sealed by the header panelassembly and a side of the enclosure is sealed by the side sealassembly.

In features of this aspect, the header panel assembly may include a mainpanel and at least one seal, the at least one seal being disposed alongthe lower edge of the main panel and adapted to be held in place betweenthe bottom of the main panel and a top surface of the at least oneelectronic equipment enclosure; the at least one seal may becompressible; the header panel assembly may further include a fixedbracket adapted to be supported by the horizontal member of the framestructure, wherein the main panel is adapted to be adjustably coupled tothe fixed bracket; the header panel assembly may further include atleast one clamp for retaining a portion of the main panel against aportion of the fixed bracket; a V-shaped flange may be disposed at thelower edge of the main panel, wherein the at least one seal is disposedat least partially in a groove defined by the V-shaped flange; and/or aV-shaped flange may be disposed at a side edge of the main panel,wherein the at least one seal is disposed at least partially in a groovedefined by the V-shaped flange.

In further features of this aspect, the side seal assembly may include avertical support bracket and at least one seal, the vertical supportbracket being adapted to support the side seal assembly from thevertical member of the frame structure; the vertical support bracket mayinclude one or more horizontal slots to facilitate lateral adjustmentthereof; a V-shaped flange may be disposed along an edge of the verticalsupport bracket, wherein the at least one seal is disposed at leastpartially in a groove defined by the V-shaped flange; and/or the sideseal assembly may be adapted to extend from the top to the bottom of theframe structure.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to a sixth aspectincludes a header panel assembly, for use in connection with a hot/coldaisle containment system, substantially as shown and described.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to a seventh aspectincludes a header panel assembly. The header panel assembly includes afixed bracket, adapted to be supported by a horizontal frame structureof a hot/cold aisle containment system; a main panel, having a loweredge, that is adjustably coupled to the fixed bracket; and a seal,disposed along the lower edge of the main panel, that is adapted to beheld in place between the bottom of the main panel and a top surface ofat least one electronic equipment enclosure installed beneath the headerpanel assembly.

In features of this aspect, the seal may be compressible; the headerpanel assembly may further include at least one clamp for retaining aportion of the main panel against a portion of the fixed bracket; aV-shaped flange may be disposed at the lower edge of the main panel,wherein the seal is disposed at least partially in a groove defined bythe V-shaped flange; and/or the main panel may further include a sideedge having an additional V-shaped flange, wherein an additional seal isdisposed along the side edge at least partially in a groove defined bythe additional V-shaped flange and is adapted to be held in placebetween the side of the main panel and an adjacent structure.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to an eighth aspectincludes a header panel assembly. The header panel assembly includes afixed bracket, adapted to be supported by a horizontal frame structureof a hot/cold aisle containment system; a main panel, having a sideedge, that is adjustably coupled to the fixed bracket; and a seal,disposed along the side edge of the main panel, that is adapted to beheld in place between the side of the main panel and an adjacentstructure.

In features of this aspect, the seal may be compressible; a V-shapedflange may be disposed at the side edge of the main panel, wherein theseal is disposed at least partially in a groove defined by the V-shapedflange; and/or the adjacent structure may be a side seal assembly.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to a ninth aspectincludes a side seal assembly, for use in connection with a hot/coldaisle containment system, substantially as shown and described.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to a tenth aspectincludes a side seal assembly. The side seal assembly includes avertical support bracket, adapted to be supported by a vertical framestructure of a hot/cold aisle containment system, that includes aV-shaped flange extending vertically along the side thereof; and a seal,disposed within a groove defined by the V-shaped flange, that is adaptedto be held in place between the side of the vertical support bracket andan adjacent electronic equipment enclosure.

In features of this aspect, the seal may be compressible; and/or thevertical support bracket may include one or more horizontal slots tofacilitate lateral adjustment thereof.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to an eleventh aspectincludes a method of sealing a hot/cold aisle containment system assubstantially shown and described.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to a twelfth aspectincludes a hot/cold aisle containment system that includes a framestructure and at least one electronic equipment enclosure installed atleast partially within the frame structure, and a header panel assembly.The frame structure is adapted to be at least partially covered by oneor more panels to define an interior space. The frame structure includesa vertical member and a horizontal member. The header panel assembly isinstalled between a top of the at least one electronic equipmentenclosure and the horizontal member of the frame structure to preventcirculation of air above the enclosure. The header panel assemblyincludes a main panel and at least one seal.

In features of this aspect, the at least one seal may be disposed alongthe lower edge of the main panel and adapted to be held in place betweenthe bottom of the main panel and a top surface of the at least oneelectronic equipment enclosure; the at least one seal may be disposedalong a side edge of the main panel and adapted to be held in placebetween the side of the main panel and an adjacent structure; the headerpanel assembly may further include a fixed bracket adapted to besupported by the horizontal member of the frame structure, and the mainpanel may be adapted to be adjustably coupled to the fixed bracket;and/or the header panel assembly may further include at least one clampfor retaining a portion of the main panel against a portion of the fixedbracket.

In further features of this aspect, a V-shaped flange may be disposed atan edge of the main panel, and the at least one seal may be disposed atleast partially in a groove defined by the V-shaped flange; a generallyperpendicular flange may be disposed at an edge of the main panel, andthe at least one seal may be disposed along an outer edge of thegenerally perpendicular flange; and/or an angled flange may be disposedat an edge of the main panel, and the at least one seal may be disposedalong an outer edge of the angled flange.

In still further features of this aspect, the at least one seal may becompressible; the at least one seal may be a brush seal; and/or the atleast one seal may be a deflectable blade seal.

In still further features of this aspect, the hot/cold aisle containmentsystem may further include a side seal assembly installed between a sideof the at least one electronic equipment enclosure and the verticalmember of the frame structure to prevent circulation of air around theenclosure; the side seal assembly may include a vertical support bracketand at least one seal, the vertical support bracket being adapted tosupport the side seal assembly from the vertical member of the framestructure; the vertical support bracket may include one or morehorizontal slots to facilitate lateral adjustment thereof; a V-shapedflange may be disposed along an edge of the vertical support bracket,and the at least one seal may be disposed at least partially in a groovedefined by the V-shaped flange; and/or the side seal assembly may beadapted to extend from the top to the bottom of the frame structure.

In still another feature of this aspect, the main panel may be mountedto the horizontal member and adapted to be adjustable in a verticaldirection relative to the horizontal member.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to a thirteenth aspectincludes a hot/cold aisle containment system that includes a framestructure, at least one electronic equipment enclosure installed atleast partially within the frame structure, and a side seal assembly.The frame structure is adapted to be at least partially covered by oneor more panels to define an interior space, and the frame structureincludes a vertical member. The side seal assembly is installed betweena side of the at least one electronic equipment enclosure and thevertical member of the frame structure to prevent circulation of airaround the enclosure.

In features of this aspect, the side seal assembly may include avertical support bracket and at least one seal, the vertical supportbracket being adapted to support the side seal assembly from thevertical member of the frame structure; the vertical support bracket mayinclude one or more horizontal slots to facilitate lateral adjustmentthereof; and/or a V-shaped flange may be disposed along an edge of thevertical support bracket, and the at least one seal may be disposed atleast partially in a groove defined by the V-shaped flange.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to a fourteenth aspectincludes a hot/cold aisle containment system that includes a framestructure, a header panel assembly, a side seal assembly, and at leastone electronic equipment enclosure installed at least partially withinthe frame structure. The frame structure is adapted to be at leastpartially covered by one or more panels to define an interior space, andthe frame structure includes a vertical member and a horizontal member.The header panel assembly depends from the horizontal member of theframe structure, and the header panel assembly includes a main panel andat least one seal. The side seal assembly depends from the verticalmember of the frame structure. The at least one electronic equipmentenclosure is installed at least partially within the frame structuresuch that a top of the enclosure is sealed by the header panel assemblyand a side of the enclosure is sealed by the side seal assembly.

In features of this aspect, the at least one seal may be disposed alongthe lower edge of the main panel and adapted to be held in place betweenthe bottom of the main panel and a top surface of the at least oneelectronic equipment enclosure; the at least one seal may be disposedalong a side edge of the main panel and adapted to be held in placebetween the side of the main panel and an adjacent structure; the headerpanel assembly may further include a fixed bracket adapted to besupported by the horizontal member of the frame structure, and the mainpanel may be adapted to be adjustably coupled to the fixed bracket;and/or the header panel assembly may further include at least one clampfor retaining a portion of the main panel against a portion of the fixedbracket.

In further features of this aspect, a V-shaped flange may be disposed atan edge of the main panel, and the at least one seal may be disposed atleast partially in a groove defined by the V-shaped flange; a generallyperpendicular flange may be disposed at an edge of the main panel, andthe at least one seal may be disposed along an outer edge of thegenerally perpendicular flange; and/or an angled flange may be disposedat an edge of the main panel, and the at least one seal may be disposedalong an outer edge of the angled flange.

In further features of this aspect, the at least one seal may becompressible; the at least one seal may be a brush seal; and/or the atleast one seal may be a deflectable blade seal.

In further features of this aspect, the side seal assembly may include avertical support bracket and at least one seal, the vertical supportbracket being adapted to support the side seal assembly from thevertical member of the frame structure; the vertical support bracket mayinclude one or more horizontal slots to facilitate lateral adjustmentthereof; a V-shaped flange may be disposed along an edge of the verticalsupport bracket, and the at least one seal may be disposed at leastpartially in a groove defined by the V-shaped flange; and/or the sideseal assembly may be adapted to extend from the top to the bottom of theframe structure.

In still another feature of this aspect, the main panel may be mountedto the horizontal member and adapted to be adjustable in a verticaldirection relative to the horizontal member.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to a fifteenth aspectincludes a header panel assembly that includes a fixed bracket, a mainpanel that is adjustably coupled to the fixed bracket, and at least oneseal disposed along an edge of the main panel. The fixed bracket isadapted to be supported by a horizontal frame structure of a hot/coldaisle containment system. The at least one seal is adapted to be held inplace between the main panel and an adjacent structure.

In a feature of this aspect, the header panel assembly may furtherinclude at least one clamp for retaining a portion of the main panelagainst a portion of the fixed bracket.

In further features of this aspect, a V-shaped flange may be disposed atan edge of the main panel, and the at least one seal may be disposed atleast partially in a groove defined by the V-shaped flange; a generallyperpendicular flange may be disposed at an edge of the main panel, andthe at least one seal may be disposed along an outer edge of thegenerally perpendicular flange; and/or an angled flange may be disposedat an edge of the main panel, and the at least one seal may be disposedalong an outer edge of the angled flange.

In still further features of this aspect, the at least one seal may becompressible; the at least one seal may be a brush seal; and/or the atleast one seal may be a deflectable blade seal.

In still further features of this aspect, the at least one seal may bedisposed along a lower edge of the main panel; and/or the at least oneseal may be disposed along a side edge of the main panel.

In still further features of this aspect, the adjacent structure may bean electronic equipment enclosure; and/or the adjacent structure may bea side seal assembly.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to a sixteenth aspectincludes a side seal assembly that includes a vertical support bracketand a seal. The vertical support bracket is adapted to be supported by avertical frame structure of a hot/cold aisle containment system andincludes a V-shaped flange extending vertically along the side thereof.The seal is disposed within a groove defined by the V-shaped flange andis adapted to be held in place between the side of the vertical supportbracket and an adjacent electronic equipment enclosure.

In features of this aspect, the seal may be compressible; the seal maybe a brush seal; and/or the seal may be a deflectable blade seal.

In another feature of this aspect, the vertical support bracket mayinclude one or more horizontal slots to facilitate lateral adjustmentthereof.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to a seventeenth aspectincludes a hot/cold aisle air containment system, including a headerpanel assembly adjustable in each of a horizontal and verticaldirection, substantially as shown and described.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to an eighteenth aspectincludes a header panel assembly, adjustable in each of a horizontal andvertical direction, substantially as shown and described.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to a nineteenth aspectincludes a method of adjusting a header panel assembly substantially asshown and described.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to a twentieth aspectincludes a hot/cold aisle air containment system that includes a framestructure, at least one electronic equipment enclosure installed atleast partially within the frame structure, and a header panel assembly.The frame structure is adapted to be at least partially covered by oneor more panels to define an interior space. The header panel assembly isinstalled between a top of the at least one electronic equipmentenclosure and a horizontal member of the frame structure to preventcirculation of air above the enclosure, and the header panel assembly isadjustable in each of a horizontal and vertical direction.

In features of this aspect, the header panel assembly may include a pairof fixed brackets independently mounted to the horizontal member; eachof the pair of fixed brackets may be adjustable along the horizontalmember; the header panel assembly may include a main panel and asecondary panel, telescopically engaged with one another, to facilitateadjustment of the width of the header panel assembly; the main panel andthe secondary panel may be adjustably coupled to the fixed brackets tofacilitate adjustment of the height of the header panel assembly; and/orthe header panel assembly may further include at least one clamp forretaining the main panel and the secondary panel against the fixedbrackets.

In further features of this aspect, the header panel assembly mayinclude at least one seal disposed at an edge thereof; the at least oneseal may be disposed along a side edge of the header panel assembly andmay be compressed against an adjacent structure; and/or the aircontainment system may further include a seal attached along an edge ofthe horizontal member and positioned to engage a panel of the headerpanel assembly.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to a twenty-firstaspect includes a header panel assembly, for use in a hot/cold aisle aircontainment system. The header panel assembly includes a pair of fixedbrackets independently mountable to a frame structure; a main panel anda secondary panel, telescopically engaged with one another, and at leastone clamp for retaining the main panel and the secondary panel againstthe fixed brackets.

In features of this aspect, the header panel assembly may furtherinclude at least one seal disposed along an edge of either the mainpanel or the secondary panel, the at least one seal being adapted to becompressed against an adjacent structure; telescopic adjustment of thesecondary panel relative to the main panel may facilitate a widthadjustment; and/or vertical adjustment of the main and secondary panelrelative to the fixed brackets may facilitate a height adjustment.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to a twenty-secondaspect includes a hot/cold aisle air containment system. The aircontainment system includes a frame structure, at least one electronicequipment enclosure, and a header panel assembly installed between a topof the at least one electronic equipment enclosure and a horizontalmember of the frame structure to prevent circulation of air above theenclosure. The header panel assembly is adjustable in each of ahorizontal and vertical direction.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to a twenty-thirdaspect includes a hot/cold aisle air containment system. The aircontainment system includes a frame structure, at least one electronicequipment enclosure installed at least partially within the framestructure, and a header panel assembly. The frame structure is adaptedto be at least partially covered by one or more panels to define aninterior space and includes at least one horizontal member. The headerpanel assembly is installed between a top of the at least one electronicequipment enclosure and the at least one horizontal member of the framestructure to prevent circulation of air above the enclosure. The headerpanel assembly includes a pair of panels. A first of the pair of panelsis adjustable horizontally relative to a second of the pair of panels,and the pair of panels, together, is adjustable vertically relative tothe least one horizontal member.

In features of this aspect, the hot/cold aisle air containment systemmay further include a pair of fixed brackets independently mounted tothe at least one horizontal member, the pair of panels being adjustablycoupled to the pair of fixed brackets; the pair of panels, together, maybe adjustable vertically relative to the pair of fixed brackets; theheader panel assembly may further include a first clamp, for retainingthe first panel against a first of the pair of fixed brackets, and asecond clamp, for retaining the second panel against a second of thepair of fixed brackets; each of the pair of fixed brackets may beadapted to be mounted to the at least one horizontal member at differentmounting locations; and/or each fixed bracket may be mounted to the atleast one horizontal member with a separate mounting bracket.

In further features of this aspect, the first panel may be adjustablehorizontally, in a telescoping manner, relative to the second panel;and/or the first panel may include at least one horizontally-orientedslotted opening adapted to slidably accommodate a fastener on the secondpanel.

In still further features of this aspect, the header panel assembly mayfurther include at least one seal adapted to be compressed against anadjacent structure; the at least one seal may be disposed at a side edgeof at least one of the pair of panels; the adjacent structure may be aside retention flange of a fixed bracket mounted to the at least onehorizontal member; the adjacent structure may be another seal disposedat a side edge of a panel of an adjoining header panel assembly; the atleast one seal may be disposed at bottom edges of each of the pair ofpanels; and/or the at least one seal may be an EPDM rubber seal.

In still another feature of this aspect, the air containment system mayfurther include a seal attached along an edge of the at least onehorizontal member and positioned to engage at least one of the pair ofpanels of the header panel assembly.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to a twenty-fourthaspect includes a hot/cold aisle air containment system. The aircontainment system includes a frame structure, at least one electronicequipment enclosure installed at least partially within the framestructure, a header panel assembly, and a pair of fixed brackets. Theframe structure is adapted to be at least partially covered by one ormore panels to define an interior space and includes at least onehorizontal member. The header panel assembly is installed between a topof the at least one electronic equipment enclosure and the at least onehorizontal member of the frame structure to prevent circulation of airabove the enclosure. The pair of fixed brackets are independentlymounted to the at least one horizontal member. The header panel assemblyincludes a pair of panels. A first of the pair of panels is adjustablehorizontally, in a telescoping manner, relative to a second of the pairof panels, and the pair of panels, together, is adjustable verticallyrelative to the pair of fixed brackets.

In features of this aspect, the header panel assembly may furtherinclude a first clamp, for retaining the first panel against a first ofthe pair of fixed brackets, and a second clamp, for retaining the secondpanel against a second of the pair of fixed brackets; and/or the headerpanel assembly may further include at least one seal adapted to becompressed against an adjacent structure.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to a twenty-fifthaspect includes a header panel assembly for use in blocking an openingabove an electronic equipment enclosure in a hot/cold aisle aircontainment system. The header panel assembly includes a pair of fixedbrackets independently mountable to a horizontal member of a framestructure, first and second panels telescopically engaged with oneanother, and a pair of clamp fasteners. The first panel is clamped,using a first of the pair of clamp fasteners, against a first of thepair of fixed brackets, and the second panel is clamped, using a secondof the pair of clamp fasteners, against a second of the pair of fixedbrackets. The first panel is adjustable horizontally, in a telescopingmanner, relative to the second panel, and the pair of panels, together,is adjustable vertically relative to the pair of fixed brackets.

In features of this aspect, the first panel may include at least onehorizontally-oriented slotted opening adapted to slidably accommodate afastener on the second panel; and/or the header panel assembly mayfurther include at least one seal disposed along either of a side edgeor a bottom edge of at least one of the pair of panels and adapted to becompressed against an adjacent structure.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to a twenty-sixthaspect includes a method of preventing air circulation above anelectronic equipment enclosure in a hot/cold aisle air containmentsystem. The method includes providing a frame structure adapted to be atleast partially covered by one or more panels to define an interiorspace, the frame structure including at least one horizontal member;installing at least one electronic equipment enclosure at leastpartially within the frame structure such that an opening exists betweena top of the at least one electronic equipment enclosure and the atleast one horizontal member; installing a header panel assembly betweena top of the at least one electronic equipment enclosure and the atleast one horizontal member of the frame structure, the header panelassembly including a pair of panels engaged with one another; adjustinga first of the pair of panels in a horizontal direction relative to asecond of the pair of panels to substantially cover a width dimension ofthe opening; and adjusting the pair of panels, together, in a verticaldirection relative to the at least one horizontal member tosubstantially cover a height dimension of the opening.

In features of this aspect, the first panel may be telescopicallyengaged with the second panel; adjusting in the horizontal direction mayinclude loosening at least one fastener attaching the first panel to thesecond panel, moving the first panel relative to the second panel, andtightening the at least one fastener; and/or the at least one fastenermay be attached to the second panel and extend through ahorizontally-oriented slotted opening in the first panel, the at leastone fastener being permitted to move within the slotted opening whenloosened.

In further features of this aspect, installing the header panel assemblymay include mounting a pair of fixed brackets, each with a clampfastener, to the at least one horizontal member, and clamping the pairof panels to the pair of fixed brackets using the clamp fasteners;adjusting in the vertical direction may include loosening the clampfasteners, moving the pair of panels upward or downward relative to thepair of fixed brackets mounted to the at least one horizontal member,and tightening the clamp fasteners; and the method may further includeremoving at least one of the pair of fixed brackets, and/or re-mountingthe removed fixed bracket to the at least one horizontal member at adifferent mounting location.

In still further features of this aspect, the method may further includeattaching at least one seal to either a side edge or a bottom edge of atleast one of the pair of panels, and arranging the at least one seal toengage and be compressed against an adjacent structure; and/or themethod may further include attaching a seal along an edge of the atleast one horizontal member, and arranging the at least one seal toengage and be compressed against at least one of the pair of panels.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It shouldbe understood that the detailed description and specific examples, whileindicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended forpurposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features, embodiments, and advantages of the present inventionwill become apparent from the following detailed description withreference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a hot/cold aisle air containment systemin use with a row of electronic equipment enclosures in accordance withone or more preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the frame structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of one of the header panel assemblies ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a reverse isometric view of the header panel assembly of FIG.3;

FIG. 5 is an orthogonal exploded view of the header panel assembly ofFIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a rear plan view of the main header panel of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is an end cross-sectional view of the main panel of FIG. 6, takenalong line 7-7;

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the main panel of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a seal mounted in one of the V-shapedgrooves of the main header panel of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary top cross-sectional view of the left edge ofthe header panel assembly of FIG. 3, taken along line 10-10;

FIGS. 11-13 are fragmentary top cross-sectional views, similar to thatof FIG. 10, of the left edge of various alternative header panelassembly embodiments;

FIGS. 14A-14C are isometric views of header panel assemblies similar tothat of FIG. 3 but having different vertical dimensions;

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of one of the side seal assemblies of FIG.1;

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary top cross-sectional view of the left end of thehot/cold aisle air containment system of FIG. 1, taken along line 16-16,illustrating the interface between a header panel assembly and a sideseal assembly;

FIG. 17 is an isometric view of a hot/cold aisle air containment systemhaving an alternative header panel assembly in accordance with one ormore preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 18A-18D are isometric views of the header panel assembly of FIG.17;

FIG. 19 is an isometric view of the fixed bracket on the left side ofthe header panel assembly of FIG. 18A;

FIG. 20 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a fixed bracketfor use in connection with a header panel assembly in accordance withone or more preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is an isometric view of a hot/cold aisle air containment systemin use with a row of electronic equipment enclosures in accordance withone or more preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is an isometric view of a hot/cold aisle air containment systemin use with an electronic equipment enclosure installed at one sidethereof and an adjustable wall assembly temporarily positioned away fromthe enclosure in accordance with still another preferred embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 23 is an isometric view of a pair of adjustable header panelsattached to an overhanging beam, for use in a hot/cold aisle aircontainment system, in accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 24 is a fragmentary top view of adjacent edges of the pair ofadjustable header panels of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is an isometric view of the header panel assembly of FIGS.18A-18D attached to another overhanging beam, for use in a hot/coldaisle air containment system, in accordance with another embodiment ofthe present invention; and

FIG. 26 is a side cross-sectional view of the overhanging beam andheader panel assembly of FIG. 25, taken along line 26-26.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one havingordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the presentinvention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodimentdiscussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be partof a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention.Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrativepurposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the presentinvention. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate onlyone or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the invention andmay further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosedfeatures. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations,modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosedby the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of thepresent invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detailin relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that thisdisclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, andis made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enablingdisclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein ofone or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, tolimit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention,which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof.It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded thepresent invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitationfound herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps ofvarious processes or methods that are described herein are illustrativeand not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, althoughsteps of various processes or methods may be shown and described asbeing in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processesor methods are not limited to being carried out in any particularsequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps insuch processes or methods generally may be carried out in variousdifferent sequences and orders while still falling within the scope ofthe present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope ofpatent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by theappended claims rather than the description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refersto that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to meanbased on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that themeaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisanbased on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from anyparticular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that themeaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan shouldprevail.

Regarding applicability of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6, no claim element isintended to be read in accordance with this statutory provision unlessthe explicit phrase “means for” or “step for” is actually used in suchclaim element, whereupon this statutory provision is intended to applyin the interpretation of such claim element.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an”each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a pluralityunless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “apicnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having atleast one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” Incontrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes“a picnic basket having only one apple.”

When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one ofthe items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus,reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “apicnic basket having cheese without crackers,” “a picnic basket havingcrackers without cheese,” and “a picnic basket having both cheese andcrackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and”denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnicbasket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket havingcheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well asdescribes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basketfurther has cheese.”

Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent likecomponents throughout the several views, the preferred embodiments ofthe present invention are next described. The following description ofone or more preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and isin no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a hot/cold aisle air containment system10 in use with a row of electronic equipment enclosures 14 in accordancewith one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention. Asshown therein, the containment system 10 includes a frame structure 12,a plurality of header panel assemblies 50 and a pair of side sealassemblies 100. Each of these will be discussed in greater detailhereinbelow. Enclosures suitable for use with preferred embodiments ofthe present invention are described and illustrated in commonly-assignedU.S. Pat. No. 5,997,117; U.S. Pat. No. 6,185,098; U.S. Pat. No.7,697,285; U.S. Pat. No. 7,804,685; U.S. Patent Application PublicationNo. US 2009/0227197 A1; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2010/0172092 A1, the entirety of each of which is incorporated herein byreference.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the frame structure 12 of FIG. 1. Asshown therein, the frame structure 12 includes a pair of vertical posts16 and a horizontal beam 17.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of one of the header panel assemblies 50 ofFIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a reverse isometric view of the header panel assembly50 of FIG. 3; and FIG. 5 is an orthogonal exploded view of the headerpanel assembly 50 of FIG. 3. As shown therein, each header panelassembly 50 includes a main panel 52, a fixed bracket 80, a pair ofclamps 90, and a plurality of seals 55,155. As perhaps best shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, the fixed bracket 80 includes a top mounting flange 82, abottom mounting flange 83 and two side retention flanges 84, allextending from a main body 86. The top and bottom mounting flanges 82,83facilitate attachment of the fixed bracket 80 to the horizontal beam 17of the frame structure 12. For instance, it is contemplated that thefixed bracket 80 can be attached to the horizontal beam 17 withfasteners (not illustrated) adapted to fit through or clamp around slots85 of the mounting flanges 82,83. The header panel assembly 50 can beadjusted laterally (i.e., a side-to-side direction) along the beam 17 byadjusting the position of the fasteners within the corresponding slots85. The side retention flanges 84 are adapted to receive the main panel52 as more fully described hereinbelow.

FIG. 6 is a rear plan view of the main header panel 52 of FIG. 3, whileFIG. 7 is an end cross-sectional view of the main panel 52 of FIG. 6,taken along line 7-7, and FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the main panel 52of FIG. 6. As shown therein, the main panel 52 includes V-shaped flanges54,154 along the sides and bottom thereof. Each V-shaped flange 54,154defines a groove 56,156 of corresponding shape. These grooves 56,156 areadapted to receive and retain a respective seal 55,155. In this regard,FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a seal 55 mounted in one of the V-shapedgrooves 56 of the main header panel 52 of FIG. 6. It will be appreciatedthat the seals 55,155 may have any of a wide range of different shapesand configurations and may be comprised of any of a wide range ofdifferent materials. In contemplated embodiments, the seal may be agasket, a brush, a wiper blade, or a compressible bumper. As seen incross-section, each seal 55,155 includes a mounting portion 57 and abody portion 58, wherein the mounting portion 57 is adapted to attach tothe edge of the V-shaped flanges 54,154. A boss 59 may be provided onthe mounting portion 57 to assist in attaching the mounting portion 57snugly around the edge of the V-shaped flange 54,154. The body portion58 is large enough to extend well outside of the V-shaped groove 56,156and is comprised of a compressible material of any type conventionallyutilized for gaskets, seals, brushes or the like.

When the main panel 52 is positioned within the side retention flanges84 of the fixed bracket 80, the side seals 55 are partially trappedwithin the side V-shaped flanges 54 by the retention flanges 84. This isillustrated in FIG. 10, which is a fragmentary top cross-sectional viewof the left edge of the header panel assembly 50 of FIG. 3, taken alongline 10-10. As shown therein, the upper end 98 of the seal 55 iscompressed into the V-shaped groove 56 by the retention flange 84, whilethe lower end 99 of the seal 55 remains uncompressed. It will beappreciated, however, that when the header panel assembly 50 is properlyinstalled in place next to another header panel assembly 50, a side sealassembly or another structure, the lower end 99 of the seal 55 willusually be compressed as well, thereby sealing the header panel assembly50 against the respective structure.

Referring again to FIG. 6, it will be appreciated that the lower ends ofthe side flanges 54 extend below the bottom of the main panel 52, andthus below the bottom flange 154. This arrangement permits the bottomseal 155 to be placed within the bottom groove 156 such that it may begenerally aligned with the lower end of the side flanges 54, therebyhelping to ensure a complete seal across the bottom of the assembly 50.This is at least partially illustrated in FIG. 3.

With particular reference to FIGS. 3, 5 and 10, it will be appreciatedthat the body of the main panel 52 is penetrated by two clamp apertures92 adapted to receive the clamps 90. In at least some embodiments, theclamps 90 each include a handle 94 and a threaded shaft 96, and athreaded nut 97 is attached behind and around each aperture 92. In otherembodiments, the apertures 92 may themselves be threaded, or maycomprise sheet metal or the like into which threads may be created byscrewing the threaded clamp shaft 96 therethrough. As will beappreciated, the main header panel 52 may be held in place against thefixed bracket 80 by screwing the clamp shafts 96 through the apertures92 in the panel 52 until the ends of the shafts 96 are forced againstthe main body 86 of the fixed bracket 80. In order to preservestructural integrity of the main body 86 of the fixed bracket 80, theend of the shafts 96 may be fitted with protective end caps 87. Whileclamps 90 are shown in the drawings, it is contemplated that a widerange of mechanisms may be used to hold the main panel 52 in placeagainst the fixed bracket 80. In particular, it is contemplated that camlocks, spring fasteners or any of a range of other mechanisms may beimplemented to accomplish the clamping function.

Use of the header panel assembly 50 may perhaps be best understood withreference to FIGS. 1 and 10. Each header panel assembly 50 may beinstalled directly above a respective electronic equipment enclosure 14to fill the space between the top of the enclosure 14 and the framestructure 12 or other structure above it. The vertical dimension of eachheader panel assembly 50 may be adjusted by loosening the clamps 90 andsliding the main header panel 52 up or down relative to the fixedbracket 80 before retightening the clamps 90. The clamp arrangementpermits infinite adjustment of the vertical position of the main headerpanel 52 relative to its fixed bracket 80 (within a range determined bythe overall dimensions of the panel 52 and bracket 80), and thus allowsthe header panel assembly 50 to be custom adjusted to fit the spacebetween the top of the respective enclosure 14 and the frame structure12. When installed above the enclosure 14, the header panel assembly 50blocks the space above the enclosure 14 and prevents recirculation ofheated air from the rear of the enclosure 14 over the top thereof, whereit could mingle with the cooling air being provided to the enclosurefront. (Alternatively, the header panel assembly 50 preventsrecirculation of heated air from the front of the enclosure 14 over thetop thereof, where it could mingle with the cooling air being providedto the enclosure rear.)

The infinite adjustability (within the dimensional range) ensures thatair gaps may be substantially entirely eliminated, and differences inenclosure heights managed effectively. This is illustrated, for example,in FIG. 1, where three enclosures 14 have the same approximate height,while a fourth (the second from the right), is shorter than the otherthree. The header panel assemblies 50 for the first three are alladjusted to be the same length, while the header panel assembly 50 forthe fourth enclosure 14 is lengthened to ensure that the bottom of themain panel 52 extends to the top of the enclosure 14 with the bottomseal 155 being compressed between the bottom V-shaped flange 154 and thetop of the enclosure 14.

FIGS. 11-13 are fragmentary top cross-sectional views, similar to thatof FIG. 10, of the left edge of various alternative embodiments ofheader panel assemblies. As shown in FIGS. 11-13, flanges on the mainpanel may have any of a variety of different shapes and configurations.For instance, in FIG. 11, rather than V-shaped flanges, a main panel 41of a header panel assembly 150 includes generally perpendicular flanges43,143 along the sides and bottom thereof. Each perpendicular flange43,143 defines an outer edge to accommodate and retain a respective seal55,155. As in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 10, each seal 55,155includes a mounting portion 57 adapted to attach to the edge of theperpendicular flange 43,143. A boss 59 may be provided on the mountingportion 57 to assist in attaching the mounting portion 57 snugly aroundthe edge of the perpendicular flange 43,143. Each seal 55,155 furtherincludes a body portion 58 comprised of a compressible material of anytype conventionally utilized for gaskets, seals, brushes or the like.When the main panel 41 is positioned within the side retention flanges84 of the fixed bracket 80, the seals 55,155 extend from the edges ofthe main panel 41 and are in a position to abut an adjacent structure,thereby forming a seal therewith. As shown therein, the upper end 98 ofthe seal 55 is compressed into the V-shaped groove 56 by the retentionflange 84, while the lower end 99 of the seal 55 remains uncompressed.It will be appreciated, however, that when the header panel assembly 150is properly installed in place next to another header panel assembly150, a side seal assembly or another structure, the lower end 99 of theseal 55 will usually be compressed as well, thereby sealing the headerpanel assembly 150 against the respective structure.

In FIG. 12, a main panel 45 of a header panel assembly 250 includesflanges 47,147 at the sides and bottom thereof that extend away from themain panel 45 at an angle. Each angled flange 47,147 defines an outeredge to which a respective brush seal 71,171 is attached. Each brushseal 71,171 includes a cradle portion 75 that attaches along the outeredge of the angled flanges 47,147 and a brush portion 77 that is adaptedto be snap-fit into the cradle portion 75. Bristles 79 of the brushportion 77 extend away from the main panel 45 and are in a position toabut an adjacent structure, thereby forming a seal therewith. As shownin FIG. 12, bristles 79 at the upper end 198 of the brush seal 71 aredeflected by the retention flange 84 while bristles 79 at the lower end199 of the brush seal 71 remain undeflected. It will be appreciated,however, that when the header panel assembly 250 is properly installedin place next to another header panel assembly, a side seal assembly oranother structure, the lower end 199 of the brush seal 71 will usuallybe deflected as well, thereby sealing the header panel assembly 250against the respective structure.

In FIG. 13, the main panel 45 of a header panel assembly 350 includesflanges 47,147 at the sides and bottom thereof that extend away from themain panel 45 at an angle. Each angled flange 47,147 defines an outeredge to which a respective deflectable blade seal 91,191 is attached.Each blade seal 91,191 includes an attachment portion 93 that is adaptedto fittingly accommodate an outer edge of a corresponding angled flange47,147. Each blade seal 91,191 further includes a blade portion 95 thatextends away from the main panel 45 and is in a position to abut anadjacent structure so as to form a seal therewith. As shown in FIG. 13,the blade portion 95 is deflected by, and forms a seal against, theretention flange 84. It will also be appreciated that when the headerpanel assembly 350 is properly installed in place next to another headerpanel assembly, a side seal assembly or another structure, any portionof the blade seal 91 that extends below the retention flange 84 wouldlikewise be deflected by an adjacent structure and, thus, capable ofsealing the header panel assembly 350 against the respective structure.

In at least some commercial embodiments, header panel assemblies 50 ofdifferent vertical dimensions are provided to accommodate enclosures 14and frame structures 12 or other structures of different sizes. Forexample, FIGS. 14A-14C are isometric views of header panel assembliessimilar to that of FIG. 3 but having different vertical dimensions. Itwill also be appreciated that different widths may likewise be provided.

Air sealing along the sides of electronic equipment enclosures 14 at theends of the row of enclosures 14 may be facilitated by the side sealassemblies 100. FIG. 15 is an isometric view of one of the side sealassemblies 100 of FIG. 1. As shown therein, each side seal assembly 100includes a vertical support bracket 102 and a seal 105. The verticalsupport bracket 102 may be attached to a vertical post 16 of the framestructure 12, or to another suitable structure, via fasteners 103 (shownin FIG. 16) that fit through or clamp around one or more of a pluralityof horizontal slots 108. The vertical support bracket 102 can beadjusted laterally (i.e., a side-to-side direction) along the width ofthe vertical post 16 by adjusting the position of the fasteners withinthe corresponding horizontal slots 108.

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary top cross-sectional view of the left end of thehot/cold aisle air containment system 10 of FIG. 1, taken along line16-16, illustrating the interface between a header panel assembly 50 anda side seal assembly 100. As shown therein, the vertical support bracket102 includes a V-shaped flange 104, similar in cross-section to theV-shaped flanges 54,154 of the main header panel 52, which defines agroove 106 of corresponding shape. The groove 106 is adapted to receivea seal 105 which is also of similar cross-section and material to theseals 55,155 of the header panel assembly 50. As shown therein, the seal105 of the side seal assembly 100 is compressed by and against the sideseal 55 of the adjacent header panel assembly 50 and also by the body ofthe electronic equipment enclosure 14 below. In combination with thevertical support bracket 102, the seal 105 of the side seal assembly 100thus provides top-to-bottom sealing between the vertical post 16 andboth the leftmost enclosure 14 of FIG. 1 and the leftmost header panelassembly 50. It will be appreciated that the vertical support bracket102 may be adjusted laterally, as described previously, to customize thespacing between the V-shaped flange 104 and the enclosure 14/headerpanel assembly 50. While a compressible seal is depicted in FIGS. 15 and16, it is contemplated that a wide variety of different seals, includingbrush seals and deflectable blade seals, may be used in connection withthe side seal assembly 100. Furthermore, while the flanges 54,154 areshown as V-shaped, it is contemplated that the flanges 54,154 may haveany of a wide variety of different shapes and configurations, includinggenerally perpendicular flanges and angled flanges.

When installed next to an enclosure 14 and the header panel assembly 50above it, the side seal assembly 100 blocks the space between theenclosure 14 and the vertical post 16 and prevents recirculation ofheated air from the rear of the enclosure 14 around the side thereof,where it could mingle with the cooling air being provided to theenclosure front.

FIG. 17 is an isometric view of a hot/cold aisle air containment system410 having an alternative header panel assembly 450 in accordance withone or more preferred embodiments of the present invention, and FIGS.18A-18D are isometric views of the header panel assembly 450 of FIG. 17.With particular reference to FIGS. 18A-18D, the header panel assembly450 includes a main panel 452, a secondary panel 453, and a pair offixed brackets 480. The body of the secondary panel 453 includes twoslotted openings 457, each adapted to receive a corresponding fastener443. Each fastener 443, which may be in the form of a screw, bolt orother form of fastener, extends though both the slotted opening 457 ofthe secondary panel 453 and through the body of the main panel 452. Whenproperly fastened, tightened or otherwise secured, the fasteners 443effectively attach the panels 452,453 together.

The header panel assembly 450 is adjustable laterally or horizontally(i.e., in a side-to-side direction) so as to be customizable to occupyspaces with varying width requirements, and is therefore not limited toa fixed dimensional width. By adjusting the position of the fasteners443 within the slotted openings 457, the dimensional width of the headerpanel assembly 450 can effectively be adjusted to accommodate varyingwidth requirements. To adjust the dimensional width, the fasteners 443are loosened or unfastened so as to be movable within the horizontalslots 457. Once the secondary panel 453 is adjusted to a desiredposition, the fasteners 443 may be tightened, clamped or otherwiselocked into position in order to at least temporarily fix thedimensional width of the header panel assembly 450. It is contemplatedthat a wide variety of different fasteners and fastening mechanisms maybe utilized in connection with the header panel assembly 450. In onecontemplated embodiment, depicted in FIGS. 18A-18D, each fastener 443 isa threaded fastener with a nut 449 used to clamp the fastener 443 intoposition.

FIG. 19 is an isometric view of the fixed bracket 480 on the left sideof the header panel assembly 450 of FIG. 18A. With reference to FIG. 19and FIGS. 18A-18D, each of the pair of fixed brackets 480 of the headerpanel assembly 450 includes a top flange 482 and a side retention flange484, each extending from a main body 486. Separate mounting brackets 483(shown in FIGS. 18A-18D) facilitate attachment of the fixed brackets 480to one or more horizontal beams or rails 435 of a frame structure 412,as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26. The side retention flanges 484 are adaptedto receive an edge of a main or secondary panel 452,453 as more fullydescribed hereinbelow. Each fixed bracket 480 also includes an extensionflange 427 extending perpendicularly from the side retention flange 484.With particular reference to FIGS. 18A and 19, the extension flanges 427are each penetrated by a clamp aperture 461 adapted to receive a clampfastener 490. It is contemplated that a wide variety of different clampstructures and mechanisms may be utilized. In the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 18A-18D, the clamp fastener 490 is a threaded fastener that may beclamped into position with a nut attached behind and around the aperture461. In other embodiments, it is contemplated that cam locks, springfasteners or any of a range of other mechanisms may be implemented toaccomplish the clamping function.

As will be appreciated, the main and secondary panels 452,453 may beheld in place against the fixed brackets 480 by tightening the clampfasteners 490 through the apertures 461 in the extension flanges 427until the end of one clamp fastener 490 is forced against the body ofthe main panel 452 and the end of the other clamp fastener 490 is forcedagainst the body of the secondary panel 453. In order to preservestructural integrity of the main and secondary panels 452,453, ends ofthe clamp fasteners 490 may be fitted with protective end caps. In atleast some embodiments, the clamp fasteners 490 are similar to, orutilize features of, the clamps 90 described, for example, withreference to FIGS. 5 and 10.

The header panel assembly 450 is also adjustable vertically so as to becustomizable to occupy spaces with varying height requirements. Thevertical dimension of the header panel assembly 450 may be adjusted byloosening the clamp fasteners 490 and sliding the main and secondarypanels 452,453 up or down relative to the fixed brackets 480 beforeretightening the clamp fasteners 490. The clamp arrangement permitsinfinite adjustment of the vertical position of the main and secondarypanels 452,453 relative to the fixed brackets 480 (within a rangedetermined by the dimensions of the main and secondary panels 452,453and brackets 480), and, thus, allows the header panel assembly 450 to becustomized to fit the space between the top of an enclosure 414 and theframe structure 412 as shown in FIG. 17.

As can now be understood, and with reference to FIGS. 18A-18D, theheader panel assembly 450 is capable of adjustment in both thehorizontal and vertical dimensions in order to be customized to fit thespace between the top of an enclosure 414 and the frame structure 412.In FIG. 18B, the header panel assembly 450 is shown in a wideconfiguration, with the fasteners 443 positioned at the ends of theslotted openings 457 of the secondary panel 453. In FIG. 18C, thesecondary panel 453 is shifted, in a telescoping manner, against themain panel 452 such that the fasteners 443 are positioned generally inthe middle of the slotted openings 457. The width of the header panelassembly configuration of FIG. 18C is less than that of theconfiguration of FIG. 18B. In FIG. 18D, the width of the header panelassembly 450 is the same as shown in FIG. 18B, but the main andsecondary panels 452,453 are shifted vertically, relative to the fixedbrackets 480, so as to adjust the vertical dimension (height) of theheader panel assembly 450, and thereby be customized to fill a spacehaving a particular height, such as the space above an enclosure havinga different height requirement.

As further shown in FIG. 18A, the main and secondary panels 452,453 eachhave an outer side flange 454 and a lower edge flange 554, each of whichmay have any of a wide range of shapes and configurations, includingthose discussed above in connection with FIGS. 10-13. In each case, theflanges 454,554 may be fitted with seals 55 in like manner to theembodiments of FIGS. 10-13. Seals 55 may be made from a compressiblematerial of any type conventionally utilized for gaskets, seals, brushesor the like. In at least one contemplated embodiment, seals 55 areethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber seals. When the main andsecondary panels 452,453 are positioned within the side retentionflanges 484 of the fixed brackets 480, the seals 55 extend from theedges of the main and secondary panels 452,453 and are in a position toabut an adjacent structure, thereby forming a seal against it. As shownin FIGS. 18A-18D, at least a portion of the seals 55 at the outer sideflanges 454 of the main and secondary panels 452,453 is compressed bythe side retention flanges 484 of the fixed brackets 480. It will beappreciated that when the header panel assembly 450 is properlyinstalled in place next to another header panel assembly, a side sealassembly or another structure, the entire extent of the seal 55 willusually be compressed as well, thereby sealing the header panel assembly450 against the respective structure.

The header panel assembly 450 may be manufactured from a wide variety ofdifferent materials. In at least one contemplated embodiment, at leastsome components of the header panel assembly 450 are manufactured from1008 CRS steel.

In another contemplated embodiment, the panel or panels of the headerpanel assembly 450 may be made from a field-cut material. In thismanner, the header panel assembly 450 may be customized on-site to fit aparticular space above an enclosure.

FIG. 20 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a fixed bracket580 for use in connection with a header panel assembly in accordancewith one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention. Thefixed bracket 580 of FIG. 20 functions in much the same manner as thefixed bracket 480 of FIGS. 18A-18D and 19. The fixed bracket 580includes a top flange 582 and a side retention flange 584, eachextending from a main body 586. A separate mounting bracket (notillustrated, but similar to the mounting bracket 483 of FIGS. 18A-18D)facilitates attachment of the fixed bracket 580 to one or morehorizontal beams or rails of the frame structure. When paired with asimilar fixed bracket having a side retention flange at an opposite sidethereof, the side retention flanges 584 of the pair of fixed brackets580 are adapted to receive the main and secondary panels 452,453 of aheader panel assembly 450 in similar manner to the embodiment of FIGS.18A-18D. The fixed bracket 580 also includes an extension flange 527extending generally perpendicularly from the side retention flange 484.The extension flanges 527 are each penetrated by a clamp aperture 561adapted to receive a clamp fastener 490 to clamp the main and secondarypanels 452,453 into position. Notably, unlike the fixed bracket 480 ofFIG. 19, however, the fixed bracket 580 shown in FIG. 20 also includesan end flange 517 extending from a lower portion of the main body 586.This may, for example, provide extra strength, rigidity, or the like.

The header panel assemblies described herein may be used in a widevariety of hot/cold aisle air containment systems, some of which aredescribed and illustrated herein. For example, FIG. 21 is an isometricview of a hot/cold aisle air containment system 110 in use with a row ofelectronic equipment enclosures 14 in accordance with one or morepreferred embodiments of the present invention. In particular, thecontainment system 110 of FIG. 21, relative to that of FIG. 1, includesa larger and more comprehensive frame structure 112 adapted to receiveand support various panels and other structures to more fully enclose ahot or cold aisle behind the enclosures 14. This frame structure 112includes additional vertical posts 16 and horizontal beams 17,18 as wellas a plurality of horizontal joists 22. Other such frame structures,suitable for use with the header panel assemblies 50,450 in accordancewith one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention, aredescribed in commonly-assigned U.S. provisional patent application61/411,359, entitled, “ADJUSTABLE WALL ASSEMBLY FOR HOT/COLD AISLECONTAINMENT SYSTEM,” a copy of which is attached as Appendix A.

An example of an assembly of panels to form a wall is shown in FIG. 22,which is an isometric view of a hot/cold aisle air containment system210 in use with an electronic equipment enclosure 14 and an adjustablewall assembly 30 in accordance with still further embodiments of thepresent invention. The enclosure 14 is installed at one end of the framestructure 112 and the adjustable wall assembly 30 is temporarilypositioned away from the enclosure 14 but can be moved toward theenclosure 14 to seal off the front end of the enclosure and the spacebehind it. Adjustable wall assemblies suitable for use with the framestructure 112 and header panel assemblies 50,450 in accordance with oneor more preferred embodiments of the present invention are described inthe aforementioned '359 patent application, attached as Appendix A.

Returning to FIG. 17, the hot/cold aisle air containment system 410shown therein includes a pair of rows of electronic equipment enclosures414,415 installed at opposite sides thereof and the header panelassembly 450 of FIGS. 18A-18D installed above one of the enclosures 415to fill the space between the top of the enclosure 415 and the framestructure 412 or other structure above it. Advantageously, the headerpanel assembly 450 may be used in conjunction with a row of enclosures414 in a hot/cold aisle air containment system 410, where variousenclosures within the row have a different height and/or width thanother enclosures. The header panel assembly 450 may then be customizedso as to contain and seal air from one side of the enclosure, therebypreventing recirculation to the other side of the enclosure in thecontainment system. In this manner, exhaust air can effectively besealed off and prevented from mixing with a supply of cool air at theequipment intake. The header panel assembly 450 is capable of use inconnection with each of a “cold aisle” containment roof system or with a“hot aisle” containment chimney system, as well as other arrangementsand configurations of containment systems. By facilitating twodimensions of adjustability in a header panel assembly, a single partnumber is capable of supporting many cabinet width and height variationsin or to the hot aisle or cold aisle air containment system. The rangeof adjustability in both horizontal and vertical dimensions ensures thatboth horizontal and vertical air gaps may be substantially entirelyeliminated, and differences in enclosure heights and widths may bemanaged effectively. Such variability is illustrated, for example, inFIG. 17, where one enclosure 415 is shorter than other enclosures 414 inthe row.

Furthermore, though depicted in the context of an air containmentsystem, it is contemplated that the header panel assembly 450 may beused as part of a frame structure comprising only a single horizontalbeam, a frame structure comprising a collection of interconnectedhorizontal beams, or the like. For example, FIG. 23 is an isometric viewof a pair of adjustable header panels 51 attached to an overhanging beam35, for use in a hot/cold aisle air containment system, in accordancewith another embodiment of the present invention. As shown therein, theoverhanging beam 35 accommodates one or more header panels 51, each ofwhich includes one or more adjustment slots 101. The header panels 51are mounted directly to the overhanging beam 35 via clamps 194, eachextending through a respective adjustment slot 101 of the header panel51 and into a respective clamp aperture (not illustrated) of theoverhanging beam 35. The clamps 194 permit the header panel 51 to beadjusted vertically relative to the overhanging beam 35. By looseningthe clamps 194 of a selected one of the header panels 51, the headerpanel 35 has infinite adjustability (within the dimensional rangeallowed by the adjustment slots 101). Tightening the clamps 194 fixesthe header panel 51 into any desired position.

The header panels 51 share many characteristics with the main panel 52of the header panel assembly 50 of FIGS. 3-6. Each header panel 51 isgenerally flat with generally perpendicular flanges 53,153 along thesides and bottom thereof. Each perpendicular flange 53,153 defines anouter edge to accommodate and retain a respective seal 55,155. Each seal55,155 includes a mounting portion 57 adapted to attach to the edge ofthe perpendicular flange 53,153. A boss (not illustrated) may beprovided on the mounting portion 57 to assist in attaching the mountingportion 57 snugly around the edge of the perpendicular flange 53,153.Each seal 55,155 further includes a body portion 58 comprised of acompressible material of any type conventionally utilized for gaskets,seals, brushes or the like. While a compressible seal is depicted inFIG. 23, it is contemplated that a wide variety of different seals,including brush seals and deflectable blade seals, may be used inconnection with the header panels 51. Furthermore, while the flanges53,153 are shown as generally perpendicular, it is contemplated that theflanges 53,153 may have any of a wide variety of different shapes andconfigurations, including V-shaped flanges and angled flanges. The seals55,155 extend from the edges of the header panel 51 and are in aposition to abut an adjacent structure so as to form a seal therewith.

FIG. 24 is a fragmentary top view of adjacent edges of the pair ofadjustable header panels 51 of FIG. 23. As shown therein, the seals 55of adjacent header panels 51 abut one another, thereby compressing thebody portions 58 of each seal 55 and sealing off the boundary betweenadjacent header panels 51.

When installed above an enclosure 14 in a containment system andadjusted into position against the enclosure 14, the header panel 51 caneffectively block the space above the enclosure 14 and preventrecirculation of heated air from the rear of the enclosure 14 over thetop thereof where it could mingle with the cooling air being provided tothe enclosure front. With multiple header panels 51 installed, theheader panels 51 not only establish a seal with one another but may alsobe selectively adjusted to different heights, as depicted in FIG. 23, soas to accommodate varying heights among the enclosures installed in thecontainment system. The infinite adjustability (within the dimensionalrange) ensures that air gaps may be substantially entirely eliminated,and differences in enclosure heights managed effectively. Furthermore,by mounting the header panels 51 directly to the overhanging beam 35,the need for a separate telescoping panel to accompany the header panel51 may be avoided.

FIG. 25 is an isometric view of the header panel assembly 450 of FIGS.18A-18D attached to another overhanging beam 435, for use in a hot/coldaisle air containment system, in accordance with another embodiment ofthe present invention; and FIG. 26 is a side cross-sectional view of theoverhanging beam 435 and header panel assembly 450 of FIG. 25, takenalong line 26-26. As shown in FIG. 25, the horizontal beam 435accommodates the fixed brackets 480 of the header panel assembly 450.The fixed brackets 480 are permitted to be adjusted, independently ofone another, in a lateral direction along the horizontal beam 435 so asto be capable of accommodating varying widths of the header panelassembly 450. As perhaps best shown in FIG. 26, a fastener 433 for eachfixed bracket 480 extends through an aperture of the main body 486 ofthe fixed bracket 480, through a corresponding aperture of the mountingbracket 483, and through a mounting aperture 423 (shown in FIG. 25) ofthe horizontal beam 435. Alternately, the fastener 433 for each fixedbracket 480 may extend through an aperture of the main body 486 of thefixed bracket 480, through a mounting aperture 423 of the horizontalbeam 435, and then through a corresponding aperture of the mountingbracket 483 at the opposite side of the horizontal beam 435. In eachembodiment, a nut 431 may be used to tighten the fastener 433 andthereby clamp the fixed bracket 480 into position along the horizontalbeam 435. Fixed brackets 480 can be repositioned to accommodate adifferent width by unfastening the bracket 480 and refastening thebracket 480 through a different mounting aperture 423 of the horizontalbeam 435. Furthermore, the position of the panels 452,453 may beadjusted vertically, as described, for example, with reference to FIG.18D, by loosening clamp fasteners 490, adjusting the vertical positionof the panels 452,453 within the fixed brackets 450, and thenretightening the clamp fasteners 490.

As shown in FIG. 26, a seal 55 may be installed along an edge of atleast a portion of the horizontal beam 435 in order to establish a sealbetween the horizontal beam 435 and the rear of the main and secondarypanels 452,453 of the header panel assembly 450. The seal 55 may beinstalled in like manner to the embodiments of FIGS. 10-13. Seals 55 maybe made from a compressible material of any type conventionally utilizedfor gaskets, seals, brushes or the like. In at least one contemplatedembodiment, seals 55 are EPDM rubber seals. When the header panelassembly 450 is installed along the horizontal beam 435, the main andsecondary panels 452,453 engage with and compress the seal 55 along thehorizontal beam 435, thereby sealing the rear of the header panelassembly 450 against the horizontal beam 435.

In at least some embodiments, an overhanging or horizontal beam 35,435may be mounted horizontally in a containment system having a row ofenclosures to provide another sealing option.

Based on the foregoing information, it will be readily understood bythose persons skilled in the art that the present invention issusceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments andadaptations of the present invention other than those specificallydescribed herein, as well as many variations, modifications, andequivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggestedby the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, withoutdeparting from the substance or scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein indetail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to beunderstood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary ofthe present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing afull and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosureis not intended to be construed to limit the present invention orotherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations,modifications or equivalent arrangements; the present invention beinglimited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hot/cold aisle air containment system,comprising: a frame structure adapted to be at least partially coveredby one or more panels to define an interior space, the frame structureincluding at least one horizontal member; at least one electronicequipment enclosure installed at least partially within the framestructure; a header panel assembly, installed between a top of the atleast one electronic equipment enclosure and the at least one horizontalmember of the frame structure, to prevent circulation of air above theenclosure, wherein the header panel assembly includes a pair of panels,a first of the pair of panels being adjustable horizontally relative toa second of the pair of panels, and the pair of panels, together, beingadjustable vertically relative to the least one horizontal member; and apair of fixed brackets independently mounted to the at least onehorizontal member, the pair of panels being adjustably coupled to thepair of fixed brackets; wherein the pair of panels, together, isadjustable vertically relative to the pair of fixed brackets.
 2. Thehot/cold aisle air containment system of claim 1, wherein the headerpanel assembly further includes a first clamp, for retaining the firstpanel against a first of the pair of fixed brackets, and a second clamp,for retaining the second panel against a second of the pair of fixedbrackets.
 3. The hot/cold aisle air containment system of claim 1,wherein each of the pair of fixed brackets is adapted to be mounted tothe at least one horizontal member at different mounting locations.
 4. Ahot/cold aisle air containment system, comprising: a frame structureadapted to be at least partially covered by one or more panels to definean interior space, the frame structure including at least one horizontalmember; at least one electronic equipment enclosure installed at leastpartially within the frame structure; a header panel assembly, installedbetween a top of the at least one electronic equipment enclosure and theat least one horizontal member of the frame structure, to preventcirculation of air above the enclosure, wherein the header panelassembly includes a pair of panels, a first of the pair of panels beingadjustable horizontally relative to a second of the pair of panels, andthe pair of panels, together, being adjustable vertically relative tothe least one horizontal member; and a pair of fixed bracketsindependently mounted to the at least one horizontal member, the pair ofpanels being adjustably coupled to the pair of fixed brackets; whereineach fixed bracket is mounted to the at least one horizontal member witha separate mounting bracket.
 5. The hot/cold aisle air containmentsystem of claim 1, wherein the first panel is adjustable horizontally,in a telescoping manner, relative to the second panel.
 6. The hot/coldaisle air containment system of claim 5, wherein the first panelincludes at least one horizontally-oriented slotted opening adapted toslidably accommodate a fastener on the second panel.
 7. The hot/coldaisle air containment system of claim 1, wherein the header panelassembly further includes at least one seal adapted to be compressedagainst an adjacent structure.
 8. The hot/cold aisle air containmentsystem of claim 7, wherein the at least one seal is disposed at a sideedge of at least one of the pair of panels.
 9. The hot/cold aisle aircontainment system of claim 8, wherein the adjacent structure is a sideretention flange of a fixed bracket mounted to the at least onehorizontal member.
 10. The hot/cold aisle air containment system ofclaim 8, wherein the adjacent structure is another seal disposed at aside edge of a panel of an adjoining header panel assembly.
 11. Thehot/cold aisle air containment system of claim 7, wherein the at leastone seal is an EPDM rubber seal.
 12. The hot/cold aisle air containmentsystem of claim 1, further comprising a seal attached along an edge ofthe at least one horizontal member and positioned to engage at least oneof the pair of panels of the header panel assembly.
 13. The hot/coldaisle air containment system of claim 1, wherein the at least oneelectronic equipment enclosure includes at least two electronicequipment enclosures arranged side by side with each other and betweenthe vertical support posts such that the at least one horizontal memberextends above the at least two electronic equipment enclosures withoutbeing supported thereby.
 14. The hot/cold aisle air containment systemof claim 4, wherein the header panel assembly further includes a firstclamp, for retaining the first panel against a first of the pair offixed brackets, and a second clamp, for retaining the second panelagainst a second of the pair of fixed brackets.
 15. The hot/cold aisleair containment system of claim 4, wherein each of the pair of fixedbrackets is adapted to be mounted to the at least one horizontal memberat different mounting locations.
 16. The hot/cold aisle air containmentsystem of claim 4, wherein the first panel is adjustable horizontally,in a telescoping manner, relative to the second panel.
 17. The hot/coldaisle air containment system of claim 16, wherein the first panelincludes at least one horizontally-oriented slotted opening adapted toslidably accommodate a fastener on the second panel.
 18. The hot/coldaisle air containment system of claim 4, wherein the header panelassembly further includes at least one seal adapted to be compressedagainst an adjacent structure.
 19. The hot/cold aisle air containmentsystem of claim 18, wherein the at least one seal is disposed at a sideedge of at least one of the pair of panels.
 20. The hot/cold aisle aircontainment system of claim 19, wherein the adjacent structure is a sideretention flange of a fixed bracket mounted to the at least onehorizontal member.
 21. The hot/cold aisle air containment system ofclaim 19, wherein the adjacent structure is another seal disposed at aside edge of a panel of an adjoining header panel assembly.
 22. Thehot/cold aisle air containment system of claim 4, further comprising aseal attached along an edge of the at least one horizontal member andpositioned to engage at least one of the pair of panels of the headerpanel assembly.
 23. The hot/cold aisle air containment system of claim4, wherein the at least one electronic equipment enclosure includes atleast two electronic equipment enclosures arranged side by side witheach other and between the vertical support posts such that the at leastone horizontal member extends above the at least two electronicequipment enclosures without being supported thereby.